ONLY a quarter of GP surgeries in Hounslow are expected to be hit by strike action tomorrow, but all will remain open for urgent cases.

British Medical Association (BMA) members are taking industrial action for the first time in 40 years over government changes to pensions, which will see doctors working longer and contributing more towards their pensions.

All surgeries will remain open but many will provide a reduced service, treating only urgent cases.

A spokeswoman for NHS North West London, which is responsible for healthcare in Hounslow, said 13 out of 55 practices in the borough were expected to be affected.

She advised anyone with a scheduled appointment to attend their surgery unless otherwise notified.

Anyone who is ill and requires non-urgent treatment should call NHS Direct on 0845 4647 or visit www.nhs.uk .

BMA London representative Paul Cundy said about a third of practices across the capital were expected to offer a reduced service.

Hounslow GP Dr Bashir Qureshi, a member of Ealing, Hammersmith & Hounslow Local Medical Committee, said he believed up to 90 per cent of surgeries in the borough were likely to be affected in some way.

"I think about 30 per cent will be seriously affected, there will be some impact on 60 per cent and the remaining 10 per cent will be completely unaffected," he told the Chronicle.

"I would like to assure Hounslow residents that all patients reuiring urgent attention will be seen.

"We are taking this action because doctors work so hard and yet the Government is reducing our pension and asking us to pay more for it."